Temazepam

Temazepam, sold under the brand name Restoril among others, is a medication of the benzodiazepine class which is generally used to treat severe or debilitating insomnia.^[8] It is taken by mouth.^[8] Temazepam is rapidly absorbed, and significant hypnotic and anxiolytic effects begin in less than 30 minutes and can last for up to eight hours.^[9][7] Prescriptions for hypnotics such as temazepam have seen a dramatic decrease since 2010, while anxiolytics such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam have increased or remained stable.^[10] Temazepam and similar hypnotics, such as triazolam (Halcion) are generally reserved for severe and debilitating insomnia. They have largely been replaced by z-drugs (zopiclone, zolpidem) and atypical antidepressants (trazodone, mirtazapine) as first line treatment for insomnia.^[8]

Common side effects include drowsiness, motor and cognitive impairment, lethargy, confusion, euphoria, and dizziness.^[8] Serious side effects may include hallucinations, hypotension, respiratory depression, abuse, anaphylaxis, and suicide.^[8] Use is generally not recommended together with alcohol or opioids.^[8] If the dose is rapidly decreased withdrawal may occur.^[8] Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended.^[11] Temazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine and hypnotic.^[8][7] It works by affecting GABA within the brain.^[8]

Temazepam was patented in 1962 and came into medical use in 1969.^[12] It is available as a generic medication.^[13] In 2021, it was the 208th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions.^[14][15]